Nearly 60% of Canadians with disabilities face workplace barriers, and women are more likely to have severe disabilities
Nearly three in five persons with disabilities or long-term conditions in Canada reported facing a labour market-related barrier to accessibility in 2024, according to Statistics Canada’s Survey Series on Accessibility.
The barriers included challenges at work, difficulties in hiring processes, and conditions that discouraged or prevented participation in employment.
For women, the impact is even greater.
In 2022, 43 percent of women in Canada reported having severe or very severe disabilities, compared to 39 percent of men.
Statistics show that people with disabilities participate less in the workforce, earn lower incomes, and are more likely to live in poverty than those without disabilities.
To address these issues, the federal government announced $656,053 in funding for Realize.
The organization’s project, Breaking Barriers and Shaping Inclusive Workplaces for Women with Episodic Disabilities, will focus on training opportunities, employer engagement, and community-building initiatives.
The initiative aims to challenge gender norms and attitudes, strengthen workplace policies, and expand opportunities for career advancement.
Rechie Valdez, minister of Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism), said, “The Government of Canada is committed to supporting women in every part of our economy, because when women succeed, Canada succeeds.”
She added that women with episodic disabilities often face barriers despite their skills and leadership, and noted that by partnering with organizations like Realize, the government aims to create more inclusive workplaces that support career growth and participation.
Chrystia Freeland, minister of Transport and Internal Trade and Member of Parliament for University—Rosedale, said, “Supporting inclusive workplaces helps workers, employers, and Canada.”
She added that Realize’s project plays a role in ensuring women with episodic disabilities can fully participate as they enter or rejoin the workforce.
Melissa Egan, co-director of National Programs at Realize, said, “Episodic disabilities do not always show visible signs, but millions of women in Canada live with them.”
She added that fostering greater understanding of their workplace needs is essential to building an inclusive economy.
Episodic disabilities include conditions such as long-COVID, multiple sclerosis, lupus, arthritis, HIV, diabetes, and mental health conditions.
They are unpredictable in their length, severity, and occurrence, often creating uncertainty, and exclusion in employment and income for millions of women in Canada.
Chi Nguyen, member of Parliament for Spadina—Harbourfront, said, “Throughout my career, I've seen firsthand how removing barriers for women and diverse people unlocks potential, strengthens communities, and drives economic growth.”
She noted that the government’s investment in Realize will support women and gender diverse people with episodic disabilities by giving them opportunities to share their talents.
